ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen Shuiabu Ibrahim, has urged corps members to always accept their postings in good faith instead of refusing to go to some areas.
He also admonished them to perform their duties with diligence and add value to their host communities by undertaking personal and group Community Development Service (CDS) projects that would improve the living standards of the people.
Represented by the Bayelsa State Coordinator, Mrs Ojugo Elizabeth Iyowuna, the NYSC boss spoke during the closing ceremony to mark the end of 2021 Batch B, Stream II orientation course in Kaiama.
He applauded corps members for their involvement over the years in the uplift of the living standards of their host communities through CDS.
Ibrahim said the CDS projects had contributed immensely to improving the lives of the people, urging them to sustain the spirit of patriotism, hard work and resilience among other virtues they had imbibed during their service year.
Ibrahim stated: “Nigeria is looking up to corps members in advancing national unity and development. The NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme is aimed at equipping corps members for self-employment and wealth creation.
“We want to encourage you to build on the skills you have acquired by availing yourselves of opportunities for post-camp training.
“I wish to reaffirm the commitment of the NYSC to corps members’ security and general welfare. I want to caution you against risky engagements such as staying out late at night, attendance of late-night parties, visit dangerous places, unauthorized journeys, night journeys and acceptance of car rides from strangers.”
He also implored the corps members to shun drug abuse and trafficking, cybercrimes, advanced fee fraud (aka 419) and other vices.
He reminded them: “Do also remember that engagement in local politics of your host communities is a no-go area for you. In all circumstances, always be conscious of the implications of your actions or inactions for the image of your families, the NYSC and your institutions of graduation.
“It is now mandatory for all corps members in transit to always cut short their trips from six o’clock in the evening and pass the night at military barracks and other locations officially designated as safe. You are also advised to board vehicles at approved motor parks to avoid falling prey to criminals disguising as commercial vehicle drivers.”
He commended the corps members for complying with Covid-19 prevention protocols during the camp and encouraged them to present themselves for Covid-19 vaccination as well as sensitize members of their host communities on preventive measures, including the need to accept the vaccines.
Ibrahim lauded the corps members’ employers and appealed to them to accept them, provide enabling environment for them to develop their potential and mentor them in building on the leadership skills imparted on them in the course of the orientation.
He called on the state and local government authorities, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to give the necessary encouragement to corps members, especially through support for their CDS initiatives.
He used the opportunity to commend the State Coordinator and other camp officials for their dedication and teamwork, which led to the success of the orientation course. He charged them to sustain the zeal to work collectively to guide and mentor the patriotic youths on national assignments.